Pensacola Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys

Helping the Injured Throughout Florida

Every day, thousands of people suffer serious injuries in car accidents. Unfortunately, many of these accidents are caused by distracted drivers. In today’s fast-paced world, people are more distracted than ever before, and this is especially true on the road. Cell phones are now one of the leading causes of distracted driving accidents.

At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott, we know how to handle distracted driving accident cases.

Call us at (850) 695-8331 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our distracted driving accident lawyers in Pensacola.

Florida Distracted Driving Laws

In an effort to combat distracted driving, the state of Florida has enacted laws that restrict cell phone use while driving. Under Florida law, it is illegal for drivers to text and drive. Additionally, drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use a cell phone at all while driving. The use of handheld wireless communication devices is banned in designated school crossings or school zones or a roadwork zone, except for emergencies. Hands-free uses remain legal.

Unfortunately, these laws are not enough to stop drivers from using their cell phones while driving. Even with these laws in place, distracted driving continues to be a major problem on Florida roads.

How to Prove Distracted Driving

If you were injured in a car accident and you believe that the other driver was distracted, you will need to be able to prove it. This can be difficult, but it is not impossible. In many cases, car accident victims are able to prove that the other driver was using their cell phone at the time of the crash.

Some of the ways that you can prove that a driver was distracted include:

• Cell phone records
• Witness statements
• Photos or videos of the crash
• Police reports

If you suspect that the other driver was distracted in any way, be sure to let the police know and make sure that it is included in the police report.

What Is Considered Distracted Driving?

It is important to remember that distracted driving is not limited to just cell phone use. There are many other activities that can distract a driver and cause them to get into an accident. In fact, any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road is considered distracted driving.

Some common examples of distracted driving include:

• Texting or talking on a cell phone
• Using a GPS or navigation system
• Changing the radio station
• Using a tablet, laptop, or other electronic device
• Putting on makeup or fixing hair
• Reading a book or map
• Eating or drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Reaching for something in the backseat

Even a few seconds of distraction can be enough to cause a serious accident. If you were injured in a car crash and you believe that the other driver was distracted, be sure to speak to an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Seeking Compensation for Distracted Driving Accident Injuries

If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to a variety of different types of damages.

Some of the most common types of damages in a car accident case include:

• Medical expenses – You may be entitled to compensation for all of your past, current, and future medical expenses related to the accident. This can include the costs of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and medical equipment.
• Lost wages – If you were unable to work because of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. In some cases, you may also be entitled to compensation for your loss of earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering – Car accident victims may be entitled to compensation for their physical pain and suffering, as well as their emotional distress.
• Property damage – If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairs. If your vehicle was totaled, you may be entitled to compensation for the value of your vehicle.
• Loss of enjoyment of life – If your injuries prevent you from enjoying the activities that you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for your loss of enjoyment of life.

In some cases, car accident victims may also be entitled to wrongful death damages. If your loved one was killed in a car accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your loved one’s medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and loss of support and companionship.

What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident

After a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Even if you do not think that you were injured, you should still see a doctor. Some car accident injuries do not become apparent until days or even weeks after the crash, and a doctor will be able to help you determine if you were injured.

If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you should take the following steps to protect your rights:

• Call the police – After a car accident, you should call the police right away. A police officer will be able to help you file a police report, which will be an important piece of evidence in your case.
• Exchange information – You should also exchange information with the other driver. Be sure to get their name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
• Take photos – If you are able to do so, you should take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle.
• Get witness information – If there were any witnesses to the accident, you should try to get their contact information.
• Do not admit fault – After a car accident, you should avoid admitting fault to the other driver, the police, or the insurance company. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you later.
• Call your insurance company – You should call your insurance company and let them know that you were involved in an accident. However, you should avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster until you have spoken to a lawyer.
• Do not accept a settlement offer – The other driver’s insurance company may offer you a settlement shortly after the accident. However, it is important to remember that the insurance company is not on your side, and their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Before you accept any settlement, you should have an experienced car accident lawyer review the offer.
• Call a lawyer – After a car accident, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to help you understand your rights and help you file a claim against the at-fault driver.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Distracted Driving Accident?

If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to help you understand your rights and help you seek the compensation that you deserve.

Here are a few reasons why you should hire a lawyer for your distracted driving case:

• Investigation – To prove that the other driver was distracted, you will need to conduct a thorough investigation. An experienced car accident lawyer will know what to look for and how to collect the evidence that you need.
• Negotiation – In many cases, car accident cases are resolved through a settlement. However, the insurance company is not on your side, and their goal is to pay you as little as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to negotiate with the insurance company and fight for your rights.
• Litigation – If your case goes to trial, you will need to be able to present your case to a jury. An experienced car accident lawyer will know how to build a strong case and how to present it to a jury.
• Experience – Car accident cases can be complex, and the laws are constantly changing. An experienced car accident lawyer will know how to handle your case and how to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by a distracted driver, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. 

Call Us Today for a Free Consultation

At the Law Office of J.J. Talbott, we are committed to helping the injured. We know how to handle distracted driving accident cases, and we have a long track record of success.

To schedule a free consultation with our distracted driving accident lawyers in Pensacola, call us at (850) 695-8331 or contact us online today.